South Australia has been selected as the location for a leading edge, groundbreaking facility, from which Zeiss will integrate and collaborate with like-minded businesses, the university and partners around the country to support the evolving needs of its business and customers throughout the world.
The purpose-built premises within the Tonsley innovation precinct are now under construction.
Tonsley is a 61-hectare site, which was home to Mitsubishi car manufacturing until 2008. Tonsley is expected to become Australia’s leading innovation district, bringing together established institutions and companies to connect and cross-pollinate with start-ups, business incubators and accelerators in a high-value industry, research, education and residential precinct. The Government of South Australia has committed an investment of over AU$250 million to its redevelopment and is predicted to attract over $1 billion in private investment over its 20-year development timeframe. The facility will eventually incorporate a residential area, retail, childcare, sporting facilities and a Flinders train, allowing the space for people, academia and business to grow, live, shop, exercise and socialise.
At the announcement of Zeiss’ new facility within the Tonsley precinct, Annabelle Digance, State Member for Elder, said there was a lot of excitement in the local community about the innovation district. “The site lay dormant for some time, and no one ever imagined it would take off as quickly as it has… the sadness of the Mitsubishi days has drawn to a close… Having Zeiss here is an absolute bonus and a hallmark because they are in the eye care and health industry.”
We are accelerating innovation that delivers a current and future value for our customers and our company with a digital/knowledge based service business
Kyam Maher, South Australia’s Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation said Zeiss would be a perfect fit for the innovation district. “The local Zeiss business has managed a successful transition from being a manufacturing intensive business to a sales and service focus, along with the development of smart digital technologies to drive international business opportunities. This fits with the State Government’s push to help local businesses transform from a traditional manufacturing base.”
ZEISS FACILITY
Zeiss will bring 120 staff to the Tonsley precinct, combining its four collaborative business groups; a sales and service centre for the Australian and New Zealand market, a prescription laboratory, a global research and development team (vision care), and a global business solutions team delivering digital and knowledge based services.
Carl Zeiss Vision International Vice President Technology and Innovation, Dr. Michael Pittolo said the new Zeiss facility at Tonsley would allow the company to leverage Zeiss’ expertise in optics, coatings, materials, precision engineering, metrology and digital solutions, in an environment where we can connect with like-minded Tonsley partners.
Karen Roberts, Carl Zeiss Vision International Vice President Global Business Solutions said globalisation and digitalisation were changing customer requirements and markets rapidly.
“We are accelerating innovation that delivers a current and future value for our customers and our company with a digital/knowledge based service business.
“Initially operating like a ‘flexible start-up’ within the framework of the Zeiss group, our Global Business Solutions team is now servicing customers big and small all over the world – and it all currently happens from South Australia. This business has grown rapidly, and has tremendous additional potential,” said Ms. Roberts.
Zeiss Group (Australia/New Zealand) Managing Director Hilke Fitzsimons, said the company is committed to a strong and ongoing local presence in South Australia; supporting the Australian, New Zealand and international markets.
“Relocating from our current premise in Lonsdale to a more central location and to cohabitate with other like-minded businesses and academic institutions, we aim to add further value and transform industry and academia.
“As part of our commitment to research and development, we will continue to invest in our Australian business and collaborate with scientists, engineers and researchers from around the world to challenge the limits of our imagination,” said Mr. Fitzsimons.
